Udinese meets Arsenal on Wednesday August 24th 2011 on Stadio Friuli at 19:45 UK time, for a return match of the 4th qualifying round of Champions League.
Udinese
Udinese is a step away from the Champions League groups, if they managed to win here with 2 goals margin. The team did not play bad at all in the first game, but an early goal in their net, turnout to be the only goal in the game, and Udinese lost with 0:1. An identical score here would mean extra time, while a victory with 2:0 would mean qualification for the groups. In the pre-season, Udinese won the first 2 friendlies, but then lost the other 2 and tied the last one. Particularly in the game on Emirates, Udinese hit the post, had at least 4 or 5 very fast counter attacks, and only the brilliant saves by Wojciech Szczesny kept Arsenal’s net clean.
Arsenal
Horrible start for Arsenal this season, drawing the first game against Newcastle on St James Park and losing against Liverpool 0:2 on Emirates. Although the first qualification game was won with the minimal 1:0, Arsenal has less opportunities to score than Udinese. And if that’s not enough Fabregas left for Barcelona, and Nasri will soon be playing for Manchester City according to the news. However, the deal might get called off if Nasri gets to participate in this game (this would mean that if Manchester City buy him, he wont be able to participate in the games of Champions League this season). A goal lead is extremely fragile lead, and I am sure Arsenal’s goal for this game would be a victory.
Prediction
Seems like, because of Arsenal’s poor performance so far, the sportsbooks are expecting a home victory here in Italy. Udinese has the odds of 2.25 to win, while the draw and the away victory are priced at 3.20 and 3.40 (bet365). Getting knocked out of Champions League, will mean failed season right from the start for Arsenal, therefore at least a draw here is a must.
Obviously if you have watched the first game, it’s logical to back Udinese as they played quite nice and need at least a goal here. So Udinese needs a goal at least to get to extra time, Arsenal needs at least a goal to tip the scales by a lot in their favor. Therefore the “Both Teams to Score” bet seems quite logical, good price at 1.80 (bet365).
I will go with the value bet in this fixture, the long shot, victory for Arsenal.
Don’t forget that bet365 will refund your wager on 1st/last goalscorer, correct score bets if the game ends 0:0. You can also include the game in your accumulator for that bet365 accumulator bonus.
Recommended Bet:
 |
Arsenal to win @ 3.40 | Visit Bet365 Now |
| Register in the UK’s Top Online Bookmaker today! |
